West Columbia got the signature riverfront development long wanted Wednesday.

The $40 million project overlooking the Congaree River will be home for up to 235 apartments and condominiums, stores, restaurants and offices in four buildings up to 76 feet tall set amid small parks and plazas.

City Council approved the plan for the complex 7-1 amid complaints from residents that it will create traffic and parking problems in the adjoining Mill Village neighborhood.

It promises to spur more redevelopment around it, officials say.

“This development will be a cornerstone for the area,” Councilman Tem Miles said.

City officials spent $3 million on eight parcels a decade ago to acquire the site for a centerpiece mirroring what’s happened in the Vista across the river.

Nearby homeowners say too much will be put on the 4-acre site at State and Meeting streets near the Gervais Street bridge. “This is good enough if you scale it back,” Jennifer Boyd said.

But residents lost their bid to cap residences at 200 as council members approved 5-3 the maximum of 235 wanted by developer Matt Mundy.